The Nissan Murano: a crossover born from Italian glass artistry

Countries & Cities · Published 12 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Launched in 2002, the Nissan Murano was the brand's first crossover SUV for North America. While most vehicles are named for utility, this mid-size SUV draws its identity from the famous Murano art glass of Italy, blending automotive engineering with a nod to artisanal craftsmanship.

The Murano's identity is inextricably linked to the Italian islands of Murano, renowned for their historic glassmaking. This connection was even echoed in the Murano GT-C concept, a performance-oriented prototype developed by Nissan's Cranfield-based Technical Centre Europe. This concept featured a hand-blown glass gearlever, directly referencing the namesake art glass.

The Murano has evolved significantly since it was first presented at the 2002 New York International Auto Show for the 2003 model year. The first generation utilized a 3.5-liter V6 engine, specifically tuned for the vehicle, and was available in both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations. In a unique experiment, Nissan also released the Murano CrossCabriolet for the 2011 model year, marketed as the world's first all-wheel-drive crossover convertible.

The vehicle's production history reflects shifting market demands. While it saw success in North America, it was withdrawn from the United Kingdom in 2011 due to disappointing sales. In Japan, the model was introduced in September 2004, replacing the Bassara MPV. As of 2024, the Murano has entered its fourth generation, following a redesign of the third generation that was unveiled in April 2014.

Safety and technology have evolved alongside its design. The second generation received a four-star rating from the NHTSA for frontal crashes, a lower rating than the first generation. By the 2021 model year, the 'Safety Shield 360' suite became standard across all trim levels, incorporating features like automatic emergency braking and blind spot warning.

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